MARS. P. O. Box 342. Qualicum Beach. BC THIS MONTH: MARS. Potluck Wind-up Party. Saturday, June 22 5:00 pm

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1 THE RHODOVINE THE MOUNT ARROWSMITH MARS RHODODENDRON SOCIETY P. O. Box 342 Qualicum Beach. BC Volume 25, Issue 6 JUNE /2014 Executive President Linda Derkach lindaderkach@shaw.ca Vice-President Tony Ansdell ansdella@shaw.ca Treasurer Bert Harding ruber@shaw.ca Secretary Marilyn Dawson dawsom@shaw.ca Past President Tony Ansdell ansdella@shaw.ca Directors Don Bridgen dabridgen@gmail.com Ann DeBrincat darrylhatch@shaw.ca Maria Bieberstein abieberstein@telus.net Kathy Loyer kathyloyer@shaw.ca Ray Walker jrjiffy@shaw.ca Bursary Tony Ansdell Christmas Party Dollar Table - Cassy LaCouvee Newsletter Editor - Linda Derkach Garden Tour Kathy Loyer Greeter Guy Loyer Historian - Cassy Lacouvee Library Donna deboer Meeting Coordinator- Tony Ansdell Membership Tony Ansdell Milner Gardens - John England Plant Sale Marilyn Dawson Program Chair - Ann DeBrincat PR - Marilyn Dawson Refreshments - Anne Gutsche Sunshine Maria Bieberstein THIS MONTH: MARS Potluck Wind-up Party Saturday, June 22 5:00 pm Home of Linda and Al Derkach 1051 Surfside Drive Qualicum Beach Please join us for a fun summer party! And.no work involved!! Please bring plates, cutlery, cup or glass, a chair, your favourite beverage and a potluck dish you love to make and share. Rhododendron eriocarpum was looking lovely as ever in the garden of John and Arlene England on our annual garden tour. MARS Meetings Qualicum Beach Civic Centre 2 nd Wednesday of the month 7:30 pm Next Meeting Wednesday, September 11 This beautiful, old rhododendron blooms every year in Tamara Maniec s woodland garden and was much admired by MARS Garden Tour visitors. Inside.. President s Message Page 2 Truss Show Results.... Page 3 Garden Tour... Page 4 ARS Convention.. Page 7 Minutes Page 9 Evil Weevils Page 10 Flower Arranging. Page 10

2 Volume 25, Issue 6 The Rhodovine Page 2 From Your President This is my last President s message for the newsletter. The job of President has been passed to Linda Derkach. I m sure she will do a great job since she, like me, is supported by an active and enthusiastic Executive. I want to thank the Executive Committee for their support and energy during my time as President. I also want to thank all the members who answered my call for volunteers for all the MARS events over the last while, and especially the last two months. I have always been able to rely on all of you to make our events special and successful. I now take on the job of Vice-President, as well as Registrar, so I will still be very active in the club s activities. See you all at the Wind-up! Tony MARS Programs in June 22 MARS Wind-up Potluck Party Home of Linda & Al Derkach Enjoyable Potluck Celebrates Successful Garden Tour Garden owners and MARS volunteers enjoyed a great meal and amazing deserts at our traditional wind-up party in the garden of Kathy and Guy Loyer. The rain held off to allow an outdoor patio party. October 9 Meerkerk Gardens The editors reserve the right to edit submissions to the newsletter for purposes of consistency, clarity and space restrictions. Garden tour Chair, Kathy Loyer thanks everyone for their enthusiastic contributions to our amazing garden tour. And Thank You, Kathy for your hard work on this tour!!

3 Volume 25 Issue 6 The Rhodovine Page 3 And the Envelope Please Results for the 2013 MARS Truss Show Rhododendron Mango Tango - pictured here in the garden of Terry Richmond - was the Popular Choice winner for Don Bridgen Congratulations, Don!! Here are the results of the MARS 2013 Truss Show at the Parksville Curling Rink on April 27. Best in Show, large leaf went to Al Bieberstein for Rhododendron Teddy Bear. Glen Jamieson took Best in Show, small leaf for his vireya, R. Hansa Bay. Don Bridgen won Popular Choice for his entry R. Mango Tango. Other results were: Blue Collection: 1. R. Blaney s Blue - Al Bieberstein 2. R. Blue Diamond - Marilyn Dawson Foliage: 1. R. edgeworthii - Judy Millicheap 2. R. Noyo Chief Al Bieberstein 3. R. Goldflimmer - Al Bieberstein Lax Truss: 1. R. Dormouse - Anne Gutsche 2. R. Trewithen Orange - Lorne Hepting 3. R. Mission Bells - Al Bieberstein Pink: 1. R. George s Delight - Al Bieberstein 2. R. Ken Janeck - Doug Kitts 3. R. Twikum - Al Bieberstein Red: 1. R. arboreum - Doug Kitts 2. R. Grace Seabrook - Glen Jamieson 3. R. Rubicon - Glen Jamieson Species, large leaf: 1. none 2. R. morii - Al Bieberstein 3. R. hyperythrum - Al Bieberstein Species, small leaf: 1. R. obtusum - Glen Jamieson 2. R. augustinii - Glen Jamieson 3. R. luteum - Glen Jamieson Spray: 1. R. Blaney s Blue - Al Bieberstein 2. R. Baden Baden - Marilyn Dawson 3. R. augustinii - Judy Millicheap Tender: 1. R. Hansa Bay - Glen Jamieson 2. R. lochiae x laeteum - Glen Jamieson 3. R. Tyermanii - Ann DeBrincat White: 1. R. Teddy Bear - Al Bieberstein 2. R. Teddy Bear - Kathy Jones 3. R. bureavii x yak Glen Jamieson Yellow: 1. R. Cinnkeys - Doug Kitt 2. R. Mango Tango - Don Bridgen 3. R. Starbright Champagne - Donna DeBoer Hammerhead: R. Horizon Monarch - Donna DeBoer Youth Award: R. Bibiani - Leslie Hill

4 May Tour Delights Garden Visitors Story and Photos: Linda Derkach Once again, MARS members created a tour that demonstrated the creativity, hard work, enthusiasm and horticultural knowledge of garden owners this time in Qualicum Beach. A swath of deciduous azaleas in a kaleidoscope of colour combines with a vista of Georgia Strait in the garden of Eva Hilborn. The predominantly green, white and pink garden designed by Shirley Meekison is complemented by Dougal s meticulously restored 1961 AMC Metropolitan that has only 17,400 miles on it! Dougal drives his baby only on good days and will be showing it on Father s Day in Qualicum Beach. A fairy s home and garden decorated with toadstools and interesting rocks the creation of Mel and Irene Drage. Garden owner Eva Hilborn shows off the plant gift she received while on the MARS Garden Tour 20 years ago. Page 4 This stunning deciduous azalea was in its glory in the garden of Al and Debbie Rourke.

5 This is one of many beautiful views in the garden of Lorne and Cindy Hepting. Many longestablished rhododendrons continue to bloom and delight owners and birds alike. Donn and Sylvia Gardner enjoy this view from their deck every day For those whose interests go beyond the ornamental to the edible, Helen Chesnut s plot contained many ideas for growing organic produce to eat all year round. Mother bird has many choices for her next brood thanks to the creativity of Joanne Hill and Neil Saigal. Dollie s old bed is re-purposed as home to this sedum in Helen s garden. Visitors to the garden of Skip and Doug Cockburn are greeted by this spectacular hybrid azalea.

6 A very robust clump of Maianthemum racemosum a.k.a. Smilacina racemosa (False Solomon s Seal) loves its shady spot in the Cockburn back yard. Rhododendron Kiwi Magic in the garden of John and Arlene England. Azaleas were front and central on this year s tour all looking spectacular like this R. Exquisita an Exbury hybrid at the garden of John and Arlene England. Welsh poppies are perfect woodland plants right at home in the lovely garden of Tamara Maniec. Rhododendron oreotrephes greeted visitors at the England s front gate. Right: Even the boulevard at the garden of Alice and Jack Holt hints of interesting garden delights on the other side of the beautiful front gate. Page 6

7 Canadians Key Players in ARS 2013 Convention in Seatac From Linda Derkach Early May proved to be a perfect time to visit the amazing gardens in the Seattle Tacoma and Federal Way area of Washington State! The sunny, warm weather made for perfect garden-visiting conditions and the blossoms were as floriferous as we have found here on Vancouver Island. activities to interest everyone! And of course, the fun and camaraderie of reconnecting with old and new friends in the rhododendron movement throughout North America. Interestingly, all the winners in the Photo Contest were Canadians, including Susan Lightburn (formerly of MARS and now a member of NRS) who won two First Prizes, and yours truly - Linda Derkach with one First Prize. Tours included such iconic gardens as the Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden, Meerkerk, Frank Fujioka and Stipe Gardens on Whidbey Island..and some lovely gardens in the Enumclaw area with stunning views of Mt. Rainier! The Canadian contingent at the Seattle ARS Convention proved once again that Canadians and in particular British Columbians - are a significant part of the ARS. In a separate , you will find a larger copy of this photo with names of all the Canadian attendees. Along with the plant sale, photo contest, knowledgeable and interesting speakers and the truss competition, there were lots of This photo taken in Milner Garden and Woodland features the native plant Achlys triphylla (Vanilla Leaf) with probably Rhododendron cinnabarinum. It won a First Place ribbon for Linda Derkach. The Saturday night banquet featured Brian Coker speaking on hybrid development in New Zealand: The Sweet Smell of Success! Page 7

8 ARS Conventions are a great way to learn about the latest in the rhododendron world, and to discover a part of the continent you may not have visited yet. Tours of public and private gardens are always excellent.and the fun and food are excellent. I heartily recommend the experience to anyone! Scenes in Meerkerk Garden during the ARS Convention at Seatac. MARS 2014 Garden Tour Needs Your Help Rhododendron kesangeae was amazing at Meerkerk Gardens. It s never too early to start thinking about gardens for next year s tour. We are asking that our members keep an eye out for a pleasing or unusual or exciting garden.and send a note to Kathy Loyer. The area for next year s Mother s Day Weekend Garden Tour is from Eaglecrest to Pym Road in Parksville. And if your plot is edging toward perfection, please consider offering it for the tour. The Committee will make the final selections based on location, access and suitability.and we always try to cluster gardens to save driving time. This fabulous bloomer was about 20 feet high and 10 feet wide!! More on the ARS Convention in the next newsletter.. Page 8

9 MOUNT ARROWSMITH GENERAL MEETING Wednesday May 8, 2013 Held at the Civic Centre in Qualicum Beach at 7:30 pm The usual format for the general meeting was changed so that the speaker, who had driven up from Victoria could return home the same night. With President Tony Ansdell away in Italy, Vice President Linda Derkach presided reminding members that the regular business meeting including the AGM would follow the coffee break. PROGRAM: Ann DeBrincat introduced Lois Blackmore, a member of the Victoria chapter and co-chair of the 2015 ARS District 1 convention in Sidney. Lois is a great fan of Jim Barlup hybrids, and Jim Barlup, himself. Her presentation, a Journey of Love introduced us to the Kansas-born former photographer, whose hybrids have captivated many. Lois said she first bought Rhododendron One Thousand Butterflies and was hooked, being drawn in by all the romantic names Honey Butter, Champagne Lace, for example. Her presentation included several minutes of just photographs of the Barlup hybrids without comment. REFRESHMENTS: Doug Kitts, Gillian Walker WAYS AND MEANS: Wind Song and Wind River, two Barlup hybrids, were the raffle prizes. Kathy Loyer and Lorne Hepting were the lucky winners. BUSINESS: 1. Bert Harding reported results of the Rhododendron Show and Sale appeared to be a little higher than last year, but final figures are not yet in. 2. Glen Jamieson praised all those who participated in the Rhododendron Show, particularly those who are largely unseen, but are nevertheless very important to the end result - those who set up signs, lug tables and shopping baskets, and return them when it s all over. 3. Terry Richmond echoed Glen s comments and thanked everyone who has supported him over the years. 4. Marilyn Dawson said the numbers for Spring Fling on May 4 were down from last year, but volunteer participation was strong. She thanked all the volunteers - those who brought plants, as well as the set-up and clean-up crews for all their hard work. 5. Kathy Loyer told Garden Tour sitters they would be getting phone reminders for the Mother s Day Tour and urged all volunteers to attend the pot luck at the Loyer home on Sunday night, May The Wind-up pot luck is set for June 22 at the home of Al and Linda Derkach. 7. Three trophies were presented to Truss Show Winners: Best-in Show, large leaf to Al Bieberstein for R. Teddy Bear, Best in Show, small leaf to Glen Jamieson for the vireya, R. Hansa Bay and the Hammerhead Award to Donna DeBoer for her R. Horizon Monarch. 8. Maria Bieberstein thanked MARS members for contributing to her trip with Al to the Seattle convention. Her name was drawn for the annual subsidy for a first-time convention-goer. 9. Joanne Hamilton in turn thanked Al and Maria for their driftwood presentation of foliage at the Truss Show, where it drew many enthusiastic comments from spectators. 10. The Rhodovine, edited by Linda Derkach was one of three top finishers in the recent ARS newsletter contest. North Island s newsletter, edited by Noni Godfrey, was also a top finisher. 11. Vancouver Island chapters also shone at the ARS photo contest. Linda Derkach and Susan Lightburn, were both winners. ELECTION OF OFFICERS: John England conducted the very short annual general meeting. All four candidates named were elected by acclamation. President, Linda Derkach; Vice President, Tony Ansdell; new directors: Kathy Loyer, Ray Walker. Other members of the executive with one more year to serve in their terms are: Marilyn Dawson, Maria Bieberstein, Don Bridgen, Ann DeBrincat and Bert Harding. The Executive for is: President: Linda Derkach Vice President: Tony Ansdell Secretary: Marilyn Dawson Treasurer: Bert Harding Directors: Maria Bieberstein, Don Bridgen, Ann DeBrincat, Kathy Loyer, Ray Walker. MEETING ADJOURNED: 9:20 pm Page 9

10 Creative Ways with Battling Weevils Rhododendrons.. Typical weevil damage on last year s leaves! MARS member Irene Brooks is a talented flower arranger, demonstrating here how she has incorporated Rhododendron Snow Lady into an early spring arrangement for her rooms with a lovely garden view. Photo: Irene Brooks The Mid Island Floral Art Club will meet Thursday, June 13 at 2:00 at St. Stephens Church Hall 150 Village Way, Qualicum Beach. Problem Solving by Margaret Leeuw, Shirley Basciano and Darlene Ellwood. New techniques with old items. Members can bring branches, lichens, driftwood, odd shaped vases and the girls will give us inspiration and guidance on how to use them in creative designs. This is in preparation for Art & Photography at Milner Gardens. Call Catherine for more info Page 10 Last month, we learned about Margot Moser s method of battling weevils - very organic and found to be very effective. Another organic method is to soak the ground with beneficial nematodes micro-organisms that will burrow into the weevil larvae munching on plant roots thus preventing next year s batch of weevils. Nematodes can be used once the soil has warmed up be sure you follow directions carefully so that they survive to do their job. Other organic ways to battle weevils include: Planting weevil-resistant varieties Removing salal from around rhododendrons Avoiding planting under evergreens Using Tanglefoot